Shadow Play

Shadow World Novellas #2

by Erin Kellison

The world is growing dark with Shadow as mysteries from antiquity and legend creep into our time, bringing a new world of danger, beauty, and magic.

Specialist Ellie Russo and Dr. Cam Kalamos are tasked by Segue to investigate and, if possible, rescue a human boy who accidentally stepped from a hiking trail in Sedona into Twilight's forest. In the child's place is a fae creature, a changeling, who has assumed the boy's likeness.

While Cam gathers information from the displaced fae, it's up to Ellie to breach Twilight and go after the child in the wilds of the Shadowlands.

But in the mortal world, the changeling has attracted the interest of another dangerous party who will kill to get what he wants—the promise of fae magic.

Little does this intruder know that Ellie's shadow is an elemental thing with no reservations about protecting who she loves.

Love, loyalty, betrayal—which will rule? As Ellie sends her other self into the darkness, there is only one Trusting in shadows is a dangerous game.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Magic, Novella

81 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Erin Kellison is the bestselling author of the Indulgence series, the Dragons of Bloodfire series, the Reveler series, and the Shadow series. She writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and fantasy. She loves other worlds and visits them as often as possible via movies and books and her kids' imaginations. When not daydreaming or writing, she's goofing off with her family in sunny Arizona.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHADOW PLAY is the second novella in SHADOW TOUCHED.

SHADOW TOUCHED by Erin Kellison is a superbly unique short story compilation. It's set in our world at a time when Shadow aka dark magic is moving into the norm. Shadow originated in Twilight; Twilight is the place between life and what comes after—a dark forest of fantasy, filled with beauty, peril and mystery -and the home of the Fae. Erin previously blew me away with her Reveler series and SHADOW TOUCHED does it, again. I've never read anything like this. It's dark and suspenseful with just the right touch of romance and humor to offset.

This set of stories represent the life story of Eleanor "Ellie" Russo and Doctor Cameron "Cam" Kalomos. I liked both leads. Ellie was an anomaly - born with her shadow unattached. She was raised by her grandmother after both her parents had abandoned her - unable to cope with her and her footloose shadow. Her Grandmother had been good to Ellie. She had moved to a rambling old farmhouse in the wide open spaces outside Phoenix to raise her - so Ellie didn't have to cope with the limelight until recently when her Grandmother passed. However, life has become unbearable for Ellie. Her shadow acts on instinct rather than reason, is much more feral, has been gaining strength and refuses to abide by Ellie's wishes. Ellie is at her wit's end and has sought the help of Doctor Kalomos and the Segue Institute to make her and her shadow completely autonomous. Here's a short description about the Segue Institute:

The Segue Institute was the preeminent research organization for all things paranormal and it was housed in a haunted, renovated turn of-the-century hotel. The place was supposedly loaded with what the scientists there called Shadow, capital S, a scary word for magic. Dark magic.

SHADOW TOUCHED includes four novellas that combined equal the full story of Ellie and Cam. Each story drew me in more as dark magic gained a stronger foothold in our world and Ellie and Cam developed a relationship that was much more than that of a subject and her researcher. Following please find a short description of each novella.

In SHADOW TOUCH, the first novella, we are introduced to Ellie, Cam, the Segue Institute and the situation with Ellie and her shadow. An expert's controversial help is sought to assist.

SHADOW PLAY, the second novella, takes place a few months after SHADOW TOUCH. Cam and Ellie have been working together seeking ways to control and work with her shadow. It is not easy for Ellie. Then... the emergency assistance of the Segue Institute is requested to rescue a child who has been lured into Twilight. Ellie is determined to aid the child's distraught mother. This tale introduces the Mages.

SHADOW HUNT is the third novella. It begins with an horrific murder at the Segue Institute. Cam, now fae-touched, and Ellie are determined to bring the murderer to justice which entails a dangerous, action-packed visit to the domain of one of the Mages' houses. The situation definitely get more threatening in this installment. Cam, Ellie and her shadow must learn to work together to survive.

SHADOW BURN is the final and previously unpublished novella. It's teeming with fast-paced, high-stakes action and heart-felt passion. I was on the edge of my seat for much of it. Have no fear, though - the author deftly wraps Cam's and Ellie's story up with a happy, tidy bow - so the reader is left with a smile.

When I started this book, I was unaware that this set of novellas were off-shoots from Erin's Shadow series - which I have not read. It took me a bit to become acclimated to the setting - but, truly, not that long as the author does fill in any necessary information from what had previously transpired in the Shadow series. However, reading SHADOW TOUCHED has whet my appetite to go back and read her Shadow series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this set of novellas and am fascinated by the encroaching Shadow. I can't wait to read more stories set in this world. I would highly recommend SHADOW TOUCHED to anyone who enjoys dark paranormal urban fantasies. Just be prepared for a roller coaster ride!

[April ♥"LOS" ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this story continued following Cam and Ellie as they worked together for the Segue facility. Now that Ellie has control over her shadow she has become an asset to the Segue team. This second book finds them working together to save a young boy who has been pulled into the Shadowland.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so thrilling to once again enter the world of Shadow and especially have another story concerning Ellie and Cam (Shadow Touch). The novella, Shadow Play (Shadow World novella 2) happens about four months after Ellie and Cam have met. What a meeting that was too.

The veil has been growing thinner and thinner between Shadow. Magic and the human world. This story has a lost child in Shadow showing that while Shadow is beautiful it is also extremely dangerous. The fae that crossed over in his place is so interesting. This one was not good or bad but certainly ignored of giving any gifts to humans. Then the mage brought a whole new element to the series.

While this is a short interlude in the war against wraiths, it is indeed a marvelous read. Highly recommend.

The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHADOW PLAY is the second in the Shadow World Novellas series and we continue with Cam and Ellie. They are called to rescue a young boy who has been taken in Twilight, a changeling in his place.

I am loving Ellie and Cam. They work so well as a team and yet they still have their issues. Let's face it, they've not been together long, and with Ellie's Shadow - it takes the meaning of a love triangle to a whole new level.

There is something new to be learnt about Ellie's Shadow in every novella, as well as Ellie herself. The detail is superb and clearly shows the difference between the 'normal' world and Twilight. Quick-paced and full of action, the ending leaves you wanting the next book immediately. Definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 26, 2024

[Shayay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting story! An entertaining read, but I’m going with a 3 for one reason. I’m so disappointed in Cam; I know that the shadow is essentially Ellie, but for him to be intimate with the shadow when Ellie isn’t aware is just so wrong to me. Cam has gone into my he really sucks book; he could save 5 million kittens from a burning building and he’d still be dead to me. And then for Ellie to be mad for like a second, that’s a big nope for me. Still a very interesting series so far though. I do like the other aspects of this series!

[Myria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been 4 months that Cam and Ellie have been together as a couple and in saying that they’ve been together they haven’t gotten far in their relationship not for want of trying by the both of them there’s something stopping them from being intimate and that’s Ellie’s shadow soul as she keeps trying to over take the closeness every time the couple kiss which isn’t helpful but Ellie might have finally found a way to separate from her shadow soul for good and that’s to go through to the land of shadow to save a young mortal boy who is lost there and been replaced on earth by a fae. Could this finally be the answer to Ellie’s prayer’s can she release herself from shadow and finally be free and able to be with Cam the man she loves wholeheartedly or could this be her final downfall as one half of a soul can’t live without the other!!

[Melanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing for keeps

The world of Shadow leaks into the mortal world again when a little boy is lured into the Shadows. Ellie and Cam are tasked with the attempt to retrieve him, based on Ellie's unique gift - her shadow van separate from her body. Cam is Ellie's anchor, trainer, and would-be lover. But the strange 3-way dynamic of their relationship threatens to derail the rescue and the romance in this scary, sexy tale of desperation, magic and love. Erin Kellison's world of Shadow mesmerized me more with each book, and I can't wait to read the next one. This is a voluntary, independent ARC review.

[Sandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second novella from this series and I enjoyed it. As the shadow world connect with the real world interferring with a family, Cam and Ellie need to use their unique talents to fix the problem. The couple are still dealing with their own personal challenges while trying to fix the world. I found this a solid second novella.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot of story in this short read. Ellie and her Shadow make for a compelling read. The Mage was a new twist as was the waterfall. I enjoyed it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret I love Erin Kellison’s writing and adore the world she built in her Shadow series, so I will try to keep the fangirl moments to a minimum. Shadow Play is the second novella in her Shadow Touch series, which is a spin-off of her Shadow novels. And for our readers not yet introduced to Kellison's books, you don’t have to read the novels to enjoy the novellas. Kellison does a great job of catching the reader up on the important world building elements, so you haven't tried a novella yet or not impressed with them, then give Kellison a try. She has perfected the art of the novella, giving the reader a whole novel experience in a small package.

In the first novella, Shadow Touch (my 5 Sheep review), we meet Cam, a researcher working for the Segue Institute. Segue is an organization that was created to study Shadow, the magic that is slowly spilling into our world from a place called Twilight and the subject of Kellison's novels. Twilight is home to the Fae and the barrier between our realm and theirs is thinning. Ellie comes to Segue looking for help, her shadow can separate from her and acts on primal urges like sex and rage. Ellie can’t control her shadow and wants to be free of it before something bad happens. Ellie starts out as a subject to be studied, but Cam soon starts to have feeling for her and good romance stuff happens .

Shadow Play takes place a few months after the events of Shadow Touch. Cam and Ellie are working to control her shadow and trying to make their relationship work. Ellie is resentful of her shadow self and sees it as an obstacle to her happiness. While I enjoy the romance developing between Cam and Ellie, it is the imaginative world building and storytelling I love most. The main plot focuses around a waterfall from Twilight which has appeared and spills from midair in a desert. Segue is called in to help rescue a young boy who was lured into it and turned with a Fae changeling. The story is full of action and suspense and a new faction has been added, Mages. At this point I am not sure if they are good or evil, but I love the direction the story is headed.


The Shadow Touch series is a perfect way to check out Erin’s writing and get a taste for her Shadow world as well as a great introduction to the Urban Fantasy genre if you have been curious. You can get an ecopy of the first novella Shadow Touch for $1.49 and Shadow Play for $1.99.

5 Shadow Sheep
find this and my other reviews at: http://ismellsheep.blogspot.com/2012/...

[Jessica (a GREAT read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin Kellison's Shadow Play was a followup to her other novella Shadow Touch! Took me a moment or two to figure that one out! Once you read so many books, novellas and other short stories, the mind takes a little longer to get back into the right groove!

Needless to say, it was still a great read! A quick little novella that I was able to read in an afternoon. Once again we are with Ellie and Cam, a few months after their relationship fully kicked into gear. And they are on a mission to save a child trapped in the Twilight realm.

But Twilight is a dangerous place to be, all sorts of creatures--monsters--lurk there. And for a child to be trapped there for two days now, doesn't bode well. Ellie wants to rescue him and perhaps get rid of her constant problem of her own Shadow.

With such a short read it's hard to say much without giving too much away. But I liked seeing more of Ellie and Cam and their relationship. Theirs, like the others in these Shadow books, seem real. There isn't the whole insta love, maybe insta attraction, but you get that a lot anywhere! I like seeing these relationships develop and grow. It's just nice. I can't think of any other way to describe it.

Once again, there's that fairy tale like quality we get here. But I see it moving more onto faerie legends these days, but it's still wicked awesome! We get to see some interesting creatures in this little novella and it's a must read for all Erin Kellison fans! Especially if you read Shadow Touch!

Shadow Play was a brilliant followup and a marvelous addition to the Shadow series!

Overall rating 4.5/5 stars--a near perfect rating, just would've liked to seen more! But alas, it is a novella and there are time constraints.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review For a honest review in my own words. While rescue a human boy who accidentally stepped from a hiking trail in Sedona into Twilight's forest the team from seque Institute is there , Ellie and Cameron are now working together. But their still working on their relationship side that their is a issue.

[Jackie Uhrmacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Russo and her seductive shadow are back in Shadow Play by Erin Kellison. This time, instead of trying to control her shadow, Ellie enlists its help. While Ellie can’t understand a word of the fae language, her shadow can communicate with the fae who sent a young boy into Twilight, giving the family and Segue, Ellie’s employer, hope they can rescue the boy before Twilight takes his mind.

Twilight isn’t the only problem Ellie must face. Her feelings for Cam are growing, but her self-doubt and years of being alone keep her from sharing them. Her shadow doesn’t have such qualms, adding to Ellie’s discomfort and distracting her from her search for the boy. She must stay focused if they hope to reach him in time, but how can she when she’s competing with herself for the man she loves?
Shadow Play is an introduction into the mage world seen in Fire Kissed. It’s the perfect precursor to the new direction Erin’s taking in the world of angels and fae, death and magic. Cam and Ellie finally get out of their own way and make a play for their relationship. The last scene in the novella had me grinning like an idiot…right before the blushing began. There’s something about being able to split into two beings that makes a sex scene truly steam.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is actually a follow up from the first novella I just reviewed above. It involves the same characters only now they are given their first assignment at Segue. They are to help a woman take back her son from a vortex that opened up while they were hiking. This story is a version of the changeling stories of old.

I think I like Ellie and Cam even more so in this story. I really enjoyed their relationship and laughed at Ellie's Shadow who seems to be able to interact with Ellie in her head more. I also like Ellie finding out a bit more about herself and what she can and cannot do with her new power. I wouldn't mind visiting them again if another novella or even novel comes out. I really would love to see even more growth of Ellie into an even stronger woman. I give this short interesting story 4 stars. I really recommend both of these novellas for those that love PNR and the Shadow series.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie has found some control over her shadow half, but that doesn't mean all her troubles are over. She and Cam are still circling the sexual tension wagon while her shadow-side does her level best to seduce Cam every chance she gets. Which makes things complicated because Ellie's shadow is really Ellie and Cam can't say no to either of them.

Cue up the awkward family dinners with that revelation.

With a child's life hinging on Ellie and her dark half being able to navigate Shadow, they can't afford to not trust one another. Throw in some wary government types and someone who could possibly be an ally (but might just as easily be an enemy) and things get a little sticky.

What can I say? I like it when they get complicated.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Kelly at · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this is a novella I will not give to much away. But it was great fun to revisit Cameron & Ellie. I really like these two and hope that they can find a happy place. I finally think the Ellie is starting to come to terms with who and what she is. While it may not be easy, the reward is going to be with the rest.

I am looking forward to starting Erin's next book Fire Kissed. And look forward to more of Cameron & Ellie's story in future novella's and hopefully a full book.

Thank you Erin for allowing me to read and review this novella for you!!

[Lizzielvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome story...

[Michelle Leah Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I love Ellie & Cam. :)
-Full review coming soon.

[AH]

Kindle free download 6/25/12.

[Griff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome update to Cam and Ellie....

[Elyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think maybe it's my copy, but the book seemed to end in the middle. Loved the characters, fascinating to know what would happen next but it just abruptly truncated, which was really disappointing

[Susan Haught · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novella length. First of Erin's that I read and was pleasantly surprised. What's not to love about a woman who must fight her alter-ego--her shadow! Very cool.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in a collection.